Poor Sick Leave Policies Fuel Sickness Absence In The Workplace

Sickness Absence At Work
Spread the love

  • Mental health problems are a leading cause of sickness absence in the workplace.
  • To address this, organizations should implement policies recognizing mental health as a valid reason for sick leave.

Poor Mental Health And Sickness Absence

Mental health issues are a significant concern in today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments. Poor mental health can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s overall well-being, leading to increased stress levels, burnout, and a higher risk of developing various mental illnesses.

Consequently, it comes as no surprise that mental health problems are a leading cause of sickness absence in the workplace.

Lack Of Sick Leaves And Mental Health Awareness

One of the key issues contributing to the high rates of sickness absence related to mental health is the lack of adequate sick leave policies and awareness surrounding mental health in the workplace.

Many traditional sick leave policies primarily focus on physical ailments, leaving employees with mental health concerns feeling unsupported and stigmatized. This lack of awareness can deter employees from seeking the help they need, leading to prolonged periods of sickness absence.

Accommodating Mental Health Leaves To Reduce Absenteeism

To address this issue, organizations should implement policies that recognize mental health as a valid reason for sick leave. This involves establishing clear and comprehensive sick leave policies explicitly including mental health as an accepted absence.

Recording sickness absence, as well as training managers and supervisors on mental health awareness equip them to offer support and refer employees to appropriate resources.

Proactive measures like flexible working arrangements, stress management programs, and employee wellness initiatives can promote mental well-being and reduce the rate of growing mental health issues like burnout.

Fostering open communication and destigmatizing mental health in the workplace is vital, encouraging employees to discuss their concerns and providing resources for support. By taking these steps, organizations can effectively address mental health-related sickness absence and prioritize employee well-being.

Adrian Lewis, Commercial Director at Activ People HR, elaborates on the importance of recording sickness absence: “Spotting the signs of anxiety and stress are key in preventing things progressing to something more serious such as burnout and depression. In Mental Health Awareness week, we encourage employers to check they are recording sickness absence effectively and are doing as much as they can to look after the mental well-being of their workforce.

Know More About –

  1. Work
  2. Workplace Bullying
  3. Mental Health Awareness
  1. Why You Feel A Lack Of Meaning At Work: 8 Main Reasons
  2. How To Effectively Resolve Conflicts In The Workplace
  3. Pain Of Ostracization: 5 Things To Know About Being Excluded At Work

Spread the love
  • Study Finds Positive Link Between PTSD & Pandemic Fears

    Flinders University had recently conducted a study to understand the…

  • Study Links Youth Depression With 66 Diseases & Premature Death

    A study has reported that depressed children and teenagers suffer…

  • Long Hours On Phone Not Linked To Mental Health Issues, Says Study

    A recent study was conducted by Lancaster University to test…

  • Sleep Deprivation Can Result In Depression In Adolescents, Reveals Study

    A recent animal study has revealed that prolonged sleep disturbance…

  • Study Reveals Stress During Pregnancy May Affect Child’s Brain Development

    The University of Edinburgh has recently reported that a child’s…

  • Study Highlights Relationship Between Loneliness & Depression Among Older Adults

    New research shows that loneliness is responsible for 18% of…

  • Study Reveals Divorced Parents’ Dispute Results In Childhood Mental Illness

    A recent study has reported that when children witness severe…

  • Nilotinib Is Ineffective In Treating Parkinson Disease, Says Study

    A recent study has reported that the medication nilotinib is…

  • Study Links Fiber Intake & Depression In Premenopausal Women Inversely

    While fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet,…

  • COVID-19 Front Line Workers May Suffer From Mental Disorders

    A recent research shows that more than half of the…

  • Study Says Mindfulness Is Not Always Effective For Mental Wellbeing

    Mindfulness courses will alleviate anxiety, depression and tension and improve…